Popular Christian comic John Crist has cancelled the remainder of his 2019 tour in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations. 

On Wednesday, November 6, Charisma News released a story reporting that several women had come forward with the allegations. Charisma says they spent several months going through the allegations and independently verifying them. While four of five women agreed to have their name go in print, the website opted to leave them anonymous.

The allegations include "individually sexting multiple women during the same time period, initiating sexual relationships with married women and women in committed relationships, offering show tickets in exchange for sexual favours and repeatedly calling these women late at night while drunk."

Taylor Berglund, who wrote the piece for Charisma, says "Crist has exploited his Christian reputation and platform to harass, manipulate and exploit young women over the last seven years."

When contacted by Charisma for comment Crist replied with an email admitting to sin and asking for forgiveness.

"While I am not guilty of everything I've been accused of, I confess to being guilty of this—I have treated relationships with women far too casually, in some cases even recklessly."

Crist says "I am sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused these women and will continue to seek their forgiveness. I have also hurt the name of Jesus and have sought His forgiveness."

Crist asked that his response be printed in its entirety:

"Over the past number of years, various women have accused me of behaviour that has been hurtful to them. While I am not guilty of everything I've been accused of, I confess to being guilty of this—I have treated relationships with women far too casually, in some cases even recklessly. My behaviour has been destructive and sinful. I've sinned against God, against women and the people who I love the most. I have violated my own Christian beliefs, convictions and values, and have hurt many people in the process. I am sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused these women and will continue to seek their forgiveness. I have also hurt the name of Jesus and have sought His forgiveness.

Over several recent years, I have privately sought and received regular professional treatment for my sexual sin and addiction struggles. I'm committed to getting healing and freedom from my sin and have decided to cancel my remaining tour dates this year and to postpone all future commitments in order to devote all my time and energy on getting healthy spiritually, mentally and physically.

Those closest to me—my family, team and close friends—have known about this battle for some time, and now you do too. I'm ashamed of my behaviour and I'm so sorry for hurting so many people. I don't blame anyone but myself. I'm responsible for my actions and I've repented and am taking full ownership. I realize it will be difficult for some people to ever forgive me, and I accept that as a result of my bad decisions and actions.

My entire career has been lived out on stage, and even though I've shared many of my life struggles with my audiences, I've lived in constant fear of the darkest parts of my life being exposed publicly. My greatest fear has been that those who have loved and supported me would hate me if they knew everything about me. I now humbly seek forgiveness and mercy and love—not just for me, but for those I've hurt along my path. I'm so sorry."

Charisma writes that "Multiple sources noted to Charisma that Crist has previously said he is receiving counselling and treatment for this behaviour—as early as 2014—yet continued to hurt others in the process. However, Crist has never made a public statement and apology like this before."

Crist has a new Netflix special that is set to debut at the end of November called I Ain't Praying for That. He has millions of followers online and has been named one of the top 100 touring entertainers recently, routinely selling out comedy clubs and churches.